Capsule medical device

ABSTRACT

A capsule medical device inserted into a body cavity has a receiving device such as an antenna and the like, for receiving data from outside the capsule medical device. This capsule medical device also comprises a non-volatile or volatile storage device in which storage data stored therein can be rewritten based on data received by the receiving device, which enables the change or the like of the setup state or operation.

[0001] This application claims benefit of Japanese Application No.2003-152956 filed on May 29, 2003, the contents of which areincorporated by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a capsule medical device forperforming medical actions by means of a capsule medical device mainbody inserted into a human body.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Japanese unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2000-342522 describes a prior art. This prior art relates to anendoscope device of a type that can be placed in a body cavity, whereina swallowable endoscope and an external device are connected by radiowaves, and a bending operation is performed by means of the externaldevice. Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,686 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,687disclose a fully swallowable endoscopic system in which a swallowableendoscope and an external device are connected by radio waves.

[0006] Furthermore, Japanese Patent No. 3279409 discloses a medicalcapsule for medical treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A capsule medical device inserted into a body cavity, comprising:a receiving device for receiving data from outside the capsule medicaldevice; and a storage device wherein storage data stored therein can berewritten on the basis of data received by the receiving device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 to FIG. 12B relate to a first embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein

[0009]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall composition of acapsule medical device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the approximate structureof a capsule medical device;

[0011]FIG. 3 shows typical data contents stored in a memory ornon-volatile memory;

[0012]FIG. 4 shows the format used when transmitting information byradio communications;

[0013]FIG. 5 shows a typical command;

[0014]FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show illustrative diagrams of a state wherethe imaging range of the image sensor is determined;

[0015]FIG. 7 shows a state where the device is set to a suitableluminance distribution position on a luminance histogram;

[0016]FIG. 8 shows a state where the color balance (luminancedistribution position for each color) is set to a suitable position;

[0017]FIG. 9A shows a composition of an illumination circuit usinglight-emitting devices;

[0018]FIG. 9B shows an illustrative diagram of the operation of theillumination circuit;

[0019]FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing the composition of a forcesensor;

[0020]FIG. 11 shows an imaging mode and command code relating toimaging;

[0021]FIG. 12A shows a flowchart of processing in the case of asingle-frame imaging mode;

[0022]FIG. 12B shows a flowchart of processing in the case of acontinuous imaging mode;

[0023]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the overall composition of acapsule medical device according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0024]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the overall composition of acapsule medical device according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention; and

[0025]FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the overall composition of acapsule medical device according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Below, embodiments of the present invention are described withreference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

[0027] A first embodiment of the present invention is described withreference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 12B.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a capsule medical device 1 according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention comprises: a capsule medicaldevice main body (hereinafter, simply called the capsule) 3, which iscapsule-shaped, incorporates an image sensor for capturing imagestherein, and which is inserted into a body cavity of a patient (notillustrated), by means of swallowing or the like; and an external device4 disposed outside the body for receiving radio signals transmitted byradio waves from the capsule 3, setting the capsule 3 to more desirablemedical actions and operational states in accordance with the receivedsignals, and accumulating information obtained from the capsule 3.

[0029] In this capsule medical device 1, after pre-treatment of thecolon (bowel irrigation), the capsule 3, which is shaped like a capsule,is swallowed together with water or the like, similarly to medicine, anda screening inspection of the oesophagus, duodenum, small intestine andlarge intestine can be performed.

[0030] Furthermore, the external device 4 receives image datatransmitted by radio by the capsule 3, detects the operational state ofthe capsule 3, such as the image pick-up state thereof, transmitscorrected data and the like, in order to establish a suitableoperational state with respect to items that require adjustment afterassembly and the like, and stores data in storing means of the capsule 3(a non-volatile memory or a memory), whereby the operations of thecapsule 3 can be set to a suitable operational state.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, in the capsule 3, one end section (front end)of a closed, tubular-shaped or capsule-shaped, accommodating vessel 5 isformed by a hemispherical transparent member 5 a, an objective opticalsystem 6 being disposed in a lens frame in a position opposing thetransparent member 5 a, in the vicinity of the center thereof, and aplurality of white LEDs 7 a, 7 b, for example, being disposed aslight-emitting devices forming an illuminating circuit 7 (see FIG. 1),in four positions, for instance, surrounding the objective opticalsystem 6.

[0032] An image sensor 8, such as a CMOS sensor or the like, is disposedat the image formation position of the objective optical system 6. Asignal processing and control circuit 9 for processing signals relatingto the image sensor 8 or the like, and providing overall control, aradio circuit 10 for performing radio communications, and a plurality ofbutton type batteries 11 for supplying operating power to the imagesensor 8, the signal processing and control circuit 9 and the like, aredisposed to the rear side of the image sensor 8.

[0033] Moreover, an antenna 12, connected to the radio circuit 10, fortransmitting and receiving radio waves and thus performing radiocommunications with the external device 4 is disposed in a side regionadjacent to the image sensor 8, and a switch 13 for switching theelectric power supply on and off is disposed adjacently to the battery12. Moreover, the image sensor 8, signal processing circuit 9 and radiocircuit 10 are electrically connected by means of a flexible substrate14, and this flexible substrate 14 is connected to the battery 11 viathe switch 13.

[0034] Furthermore, a force sensor 15 is installed in such a manner thatthe sensor portion thereof is exposed externally beyond theaccommodating vessel 5, and signals detected by the force sensor 15 areinput to the signal processing and control circuit 9, in such a mannerthat movement of the capsule 3 can be detected.

[0035]FIG. 1 shows the more detailed internal composition of theelectrical system of the capsule 3 and the external device 4.

[0036] The illumination circuit 7 comprises the white light LEDs 7 a, 7b shown as light-emitting devices in FIG. 2 and a light emission drivingcircuit, and the inner walls or the like, of the body cavity illuminatedby the white light LEDs 7 a, 7 b are formed into an image by theobjective optical system 6. The image pick-up surface of the imagesensor 8 forming imaging means is positioned at the image formationposition of this image, and hence an image is picked up by the imagesensor 8.

[0037] The illumination circuit 7 is controlled by an imaging drive andcontrol circuit 21 which forms part of the signal processing and controlcircuit 9. Moreover, the image sensor 8 is driven via an analogueprocessing section 22, and the image picked up signals are processed bythe analogue processing section 22, and then converted to digitalsignals (image data) by the imaging drive and control circuit 21,whereupon they are input to a compression processing device 23 andcompressed.

[0038] Moreover, the force sensor 15 is also connected to the imagingdrive and control circuit 21, and is controlled by the imaging drive andcontrol circuit 21, which is constituted by a CPU or the like, and whichdetects movements of the capsule 3 from the signals detected by theforce sensor 15.

[0039] The imaging drive and control circuit 21 is connected to anon-volatile memory 24 constituted by an EEPROM or the like (whichmaintains data even after the power is switched off), forming anelectrically rewriteable data storage means, and a volatile memory (orregister) 25 constituted by a static RAM or the like, which can berewritten electrically at high-speed (and which loses data when thepower is switched off). The CPU of the imaging drive and control circuit21 performs imaging operations and the like, by referring to theinformation (data) stored in the non-volatile memory 24 and the memory25.

[0040] In this case, the non-volatile memory 24 stores data principallyfor determining (specifying) the operations of the capsule 3 in aninitial state. Moreover, the volatile memory 25 which can be rewrittenat high speed, stores data for determining operations other than thosein the initial state or the like, for use after the initial state hasbeen established.

[0041]FIG. 3 shows the data contents stored in the memory 25, whichinclude parameters, control information and the like, for determiningthe functions, operations and the like, of the capsule 3, stored atprescribed addresses. The external device 4 can transmit commands to theimaging drive and control circuit 21 in the capsule 3, therebycontrolling the operations of the capsule 3 by means of these commands,in addition to which it is also able to implement settings for changingthe operational parameters of the capsule 3, by instructing a rewrite ofparameter data contained in the memory 25.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the information stored relating to the imagesensor 8 comprises gain settings, and B and R gain settings; theinformation relating to the imaging range comprises the horizontal startand end positions, the vertical start and end positions, shutter speed,frame rate, light color shade processing for tone control, colorsaturation, luminous current relating to the illumination light quantityor exposure light quantity, luminous time, and light-emitting deviceinstructions; the information relating to the operation of the forcesensor 15 comprises sensor adjustment instructions, sensor gaininstructions, and compression rate instructions relating to the imagecompression information; and the information relating to imaging (imagecapturing) comprises mode switching instructions, timer instructions,and other such data.

[0043]FIG. 4 shows a format used when transmitting commands or data fromthe external device 4 to the capsule 3.

[0044] As FIG. 4 shows, a format is adopted wherein an identificationelement which indicates a command (01) or data (02) is stated in aheader, and then command and parameter elements are writtensubsequently. Here, in the case of a command as illustrated in FIG. 5,after a code (command code), the parameters required for that commandare specified.

[0045] On the other hand, in the case of data transmission, afteridentifying the data, the capsule ID and data are stated.

[0046] Furthermore, in the case of a memory (register) rewriteoperation, the parameters are written in the form: capsuleID+address+data.

[0047]FIG. 4 shows one concrete example.

[0048] More specifically, this shows a transmission example,“01−0B−000−80”. The information transmitted in this transmission is asfollows.

[0049] Namely, “command transmission−non-volatile memory rewritecommand−gain command−80H”

[0050] In other words, the “01” element indicates that a command isbeing transmitted, and the instruction in that command is indicated by“0B”, which indicates a rewrite of the non-volatile memory, the addressof the rewrite is “000”, which indicates the gain setting, and “80”indicates that the gain value is to be set (rewritten) to 80H.

[0051] The (CPU) of the imaging drive and control circuit 21 in thecapsule 3 performs operations corresponding to the command or the like,transmitted by the external device 4 in the format shown in FIG. 4.

[0052] Moreover, FIG. 5 shows a concrete example of code−command(instruction) correspondence information stored in an internal ROM orthe like, of the imaging drive and control circuit 21 in the capsule 3.When code information corresponding to a command as illustrated in FIG.5 is transmitted by the external device 4, the command informationcorresponding to that code information is read out (extracted) andoperations corresponding to that command are carried out.

[0053] Furthermore, virtually similar correspondence information to thatshown in FIG. 5 is also stored in the external device 4, as describedhereinafter, whereby command information corresponding to codeinformation transmitted by the capsule 3 is read out and correspondingoperations are performed.

[0054] If the capsule 3 principally transmits image picked up image datato the external device 4, then this is transmitted in the format shownin FIG. 4.

[0055] The image data compressed by the compression processing circuit23 is stored in a memory 26, and the data is then read out from thememory 26, and transmitted to the radio circuit 10, which performshigh-frequency modulation and emits the data as a radio wave from theantenna 11.

[0056] Moreover, the DC power supply from the battery 11 is supplied viathe switch 13 to a power circuit 27, which converts the power into asuitable voltage for operating the respective modules (circuits), whichis supplied to the power terminal Vcc. This power circuit 27 is alsocontrolled by the imaging drive and control circuit 21.

[0057] For example, by setting a portion of the power circuit 27 to arest state or the like, it is possible to shut off the electrical powersupplied to a portion of the circuits inside the capsule 3, and hencethe circuits which have been shut off will assume an idle state, thuspreventing wasteful power consumption by those circuits.

[0058] On the other hand, the external device 4 receives the radio wavestransmitted by the capsule 3 via an antenna 31, and after demodulatingthe signal in a radio circuit 32, it stores the data in a memory 33. Theimage data stored in the memory 33 is read out by a control circuit 34and transmitted to a signal processing circuit 35, which performsexpansion processing and the like, thereby regenerating the image datato its state before compression.

[0059] This image data is then supplied to an image position detectingcircuit 36 and a color balance and brightness detecting circuit 37,which respectively detect the image position and the color balance andbrightness.

[0060] The respective detection signals are sent to correction amountcalculating circuits 38 and 39, which calculate the required correctionamounts. The respective correction amounts calculated respectively bythe correction amount calculating circuits 38 and 39 are sent to thecontrol circuit 34, and the control circuit 34 then stores data for thecorrection amounts in the memory 33. The data stored in the memory 33can be modulated at a high frequency by the radio circuit 32 andtransmitted to the capsule 3 in the form of radio waves via the antenna31.

[0061] The control circuit 34 is also constituted by a CPU or the like,and the command codes shown in FIG. 5 are stored in an internal ROM orthe like, of the control circuit 34, in such a manner that when datarelating to correction amounts is transmitted, a format is used whereinthe data is added to a rewrite command or the like, relating to thememory 25.

[0062] Moreover, the signal processing circuit 35 or control circuit 34are connected to a display device 40, which displays images obtained byexpansion processing, as well as the capsule ID transmitted by thecapsule 3 and the like, in such a manner that they can be viewed ormonitored by the user.

[0063] The control circuit 34 is also connected to an input circuit 41constituted by a keyboard or the like, and when controlling theoperations or the like, of the capsule 3, from the external device 4,commands can be input via this input circuit 41.

[0064] Commands, data or the like, input from the input circuit 41 arestored in the memory 33 via the control circuit 34, and can then betransmitted in the form of radio waves, in a similar manner to thecorrection amount data or the like.

[0065] Furthermore, a battery 42, switch 43 and power circuit 44 areprovided inside the external device 4, and the DC voltage generated bythe power circuit 44 is supplied to the power terminal Vcc of eachmodule (circuit).

[0066] The radio waves emitted by the antenna 31 of the external device4 are received by the antenna 11 of the capsule 3 and are demodulated bythe radio circuit 10, whereupon the signal is sent to the imaging driveand control circuit 21. The CPU forming this imaging drive and controlcircuit 21 stores the demodulated data in the memory 25 or the like, andthe capsule 3 is caused to operate or the like, on the basis of thestored data.

[0067] In the present embodiment having a composition of this kind, thenon-volatile memory 24 for storing information for initial setupoperations, and the memory 25, which is volatile and is capable ofcontrolling the operational state and the like, of the capsule 3 byinformation being written thereto, are provided in the capsule 3, andeven after the capsule 3 has been assembled, the user, such as a medicalpractitioner or the like, is still able to adjust the capsule 3 to asuitable operational state, by changing the information written to thememory 25 or the like, in addition to which, he or she is also able tocontrol the subsequent operational state, independently, in accordancewith the information written to the memory 25.

[0068] A typical example of the operation of the present embodiment willnow be described.

[0069] The power supply to the capsule 3 and the external device 4 isswitched on, thereby setting both to an operational state. The CPU ofthe control circuit 34 of the external device 4, for example, thentransmits an inquiry command of code 01 as illustrated in FIG. 5, tofind out whether or not a capsule 3 is present in the vicinity. Uponreceiving this command, the capsule 3 evaluates the command, and takesthe capsule ID containing the peculiar number written into the capsule 3upon manufacture, appends the capsule ID to a peculiar numbernotification command, and transmits same to the external device 4.

[0070] The external device 4 extracts (acquires) the capsule ID, andstores it in an internal register or the like, of the control circuit34, whilst also displaying the capsule ID on the display device 40.

[0071] If only one capsule 3 is being used, then the medicalpractitioner or other type of user transmits a connection requestcommand to the capsule 3 having the capsule ID thus obtained, via theinput circuit 41 of the external device 4, whereupon, by receiving aconnection completed notification command from the capsule 3, thecapsule 3 and the external device 4 are set respectively to a state forperforming bi-directional radio communications.

[0072] Thereupon, the operational state of the capsule 3 can be set bytransmitting a command, such as an imaging start command or the like, tothe capsule 3 via the input circuit 41. In this case, before the patientswallows the capsule 3, a white reference object, such as a white sheetor the like, is placed in front of the transparent member 5 a of thecapsule 3, and an imaging start command is transmitted.

[0073] Upon receiving this command, the capsule 3 evaluates the command,and consequently starts illumination by means of the illuminationcircuit 7 and imaging by means of the image sensor 8.

[0074] The non-volatile memory 24 stores control information for theimaging mode in the initial setting, such as single-image mode, forexample, as described hereinafter, and the CPU of the imaging drive andcontrol circuit 21 of the capsule 3 performs an imaging operation andthe like, in accordance with the control contents written to thenon-volatile memory 24 (in an initial state, the contents of the memoryregion of the memory 25 are cleared).

[0075] The image picked up image data is compressed and transmitted tothe external device 4, which expands the transmitted image data by meansof the signal processing circuit 35, and then outputs to the imageposition detecting circuit 36 and color balance and brightness detectingcircuit 37.

[0076] In the image position detecting circuit 36, the luminancedistribution of the image picked up image is calculated and output tothe correction amount calculating circuit 38.

[0077] In the correction amount calculating circuit 38, depending onwhether or not a predetermined threshold value has been exceeded or not,an image circle Ri forming the effective imaging range of the objectiveoptical system 6 is calculated, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, andfurthermore, a horizontal start position, horizontal end position,vertical start position and vertical end position on an image pick-upsurface 8 a of the image sensor 8 previously set in such a manner thatthey are defined by vertical lines and horizontal lines circumscribed tothe calculated image circle Ri, for example, are calculated respectivelyand sent to the control circuit 34.

[0078] The control circuit 34 adds this positional data as correctionamount data to a memory rewrite indicator command, as illustrated inFIG. 5, and transmits it to the capsule 3. The capsule 3 stores thepositional data thus received in the memory regions of the memory 25 ataddresses 30, 40, 50 and 60 shown in FIG. 3.

[0079] Thereafter, the capsule 3 transmits only the image data insidethe square shaped imaging region determined by this positional data, tothe external device 4. In this way, by setting (adjusting) the imagingregion after the capsule 3 has been assembled, it is possible to makesuitable adjustments in such a manner that data obtained in the pixelregions where no image is actually picked up is not transmitted to theexternal device 4. By making adjustment in this way, it is possible tosimplify the adjustments required when assembling the objective opticalsystem 6 and the image sensor 8 in the capsule 3.

[0080] In the case of FIG. 6A, the image range in which an image isformed by the objective optical system 6 lies inside the imaging rangeof the image sensor 8, but similar settings are also made in a case suchas that shown in FIG. 6B, where the image range formed by the objectiveoptical system 6 extends beyond the imaging range of the image sensor 8.

[0081] Furthermore, the color balance and brightness detecting circuit37 detects (calculates) the histogram of the brightness (luminance) inthe image picked up image, as in the portion of FIG. 7 marked by thesingle-dotted line, for example. The color balance and brightnessdetecting circuit 37 then transmits the histogram thus detected to thecorrection amount calculating circuit 39.

[0082] Reference data for a histogram of standard luminance distributionpositions is previously stored in the correction amount calculatingcircuit 39, and correction amounts are calculated on the basis of thisreference data, in such a manner that the luminance distributionindicated by the solid line in the diagram is achieved.

[0083] These correction amounts are transmitted by the control circuit34 to the capsule 3, and luminous amount by the illumination circuit 7of the capsule 3 is adjusted (as described hereinafter with respect toFIG. 9A and FIG. 9B), thereby achieving the histogram illustrated by thesolid line.

[0084] Moreover, the color balance and brightness detecting circuit 37calculates the luminance distribution of the green (G), blue (B) and red(R) components in the image picked up image, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0085] The luminance distribution for the G component is setsubstantially to a suitable state by adjusting the luminancedistribution of the luminance in FIG. 7. On the other hand, the R and Bcomponents generally diverge from the suitable state indicated by thesolid line, in such a manner that they require color balancing.

[0086] In the example in FIG. 8, for example, the R component is shiftedto the high luminance side and the B component is shifted, conversely,to the low luminance side. In this case, correction amounts arecalculated by the correction amount calculating circuit 39 and then sentto the control circuit 34.

[0087] These amounts are then transmitted by the control circuit 34 tothe capsule 3, and the R gain setting and G gain setting data in thememory 25 of the capsule 3 are changed accordingly, in such a mannerthat they assume suitable states (from an initial state of zero). Byadjusting these gain values, the luminance distribution is adjusted insuch a manner that the histogram illustrated by the solid lines isachieved. In other words, the image signal is set to a color balanced(white balanced) imaging state wherein a color image signal which isdisplayed as white is generated when a white object is imaged.

[0088] The concrete brightness adjustment described above is carried outby controlling the illumination circuit 7 as illustrated in FIG. 9A, forexample.

[0089] The illumination circuit 7 shown in FIG. 9A comprises two whitelight LEDs 7 a connected in series between an the emitter and ground ofa switching transistor Q1, and when the signal controlling thelight-emitting devices applied to the base of the switching transistorQ1 is switched on, then light emission is driven by means of currentflowing through the collector side. The two white light LEDs 7 b aredriven in a similar manner by a switching transistor Q2.

[0090] The collectors of the transistors Q1 and Q2 are devised so as toreceive a luminous power supply via a counter 51, comparator 52, driver53 and electronic trim resistance 54.

[0091] In this case, the clock CLK illustrated in FIG. 9B is input tothe counter 51, and the output calculated by this counter 51 is input tothe comparator 52, which compares this input with the signal value ofthe reference luminous time command.

[0092] During the time period of the reference luminous time command, an“H”, signal is output to the driver 53, and a luminous current commandsignal is applied to an electronic trim resistor 54, whereby theresistance value of the electronic trim resistor 54 can be set to bevaried.

[0093] For example, in the state of initial settings before adjustment,more specifically, in a case where the luminance distribution is asindicated by the single-dotted line in FIG. 7, if the value of theluminous time command is as shown by the single-dotted line in FIG. 9B,then by means of an adjustment command from the correction amountcalculating circuit 39, the luminous time command after adjustment willbe as shown by the solid line in FIG. 9B.

[0094] The signal value of the luminous time command is supplied to thecomparator circuit 52, and the increased signal value is set.

[0095] By increasing (lengthening) the value of the luminous timecommand in this way, the luminous amount is increased, and hence thehistogram of the luminance in the captured image will be set (adjusted)to that illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 7. In this case, it isalso possible to set the histogram to the state illustrated by the solidline in FIG. 7 simply by lengthening the luminous time, but generally, acommand for increasing the luminous current is also used conjointly.

[0096] In other words, if the luminous current command has the valueillustrated by the single-dotted line in FIG. 9B in the initialsettings, then it is increased so as to have the value illustrated bythe solid line in FIG. 9B after adjustment.

[0097] Moreover, it is also possible to increase the luminous amount bychanging from one light-emitting device command signal to two, or thelike.

[0098] In this way, by increasing the luminous amount, it is possible toset the illumination and imaging state in such a manner that imageshaving a suitable luminance distribution are obtained.

[0099]FIG. 9A shows the addresses corresponding to the data contents ofthe memory 25 in FIG. 3, for reference.

[0100] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to adjustthe gain and the like, of an adjustment circuit in such a manner that astable operational state is achieved for the force sensor 15.

[0101]FIG. 10 shows an adjustment circuit 81 for the force sensor 15,and the adjustment circuit 81, excluding the force sensor 15 itself, isconstituted by a portion of the imaging drive and control circuit 21,for example.

[0102] A bridge circuit is constituted by the force sensor 15 (theequivalent resistance thereof is illustrated as R.), three resistancesR1, R2, R3, and electronic trim resistors 82 a, 82 b connectedrespectively in series to the resistances R1 and R3, and a constantvoltage is supplied to this circuit by a constant voltage source 83.

[0103] The resistance values of the electronic trimmers 82 a, 82 b canbe set variably by means of a sensor adjustment command signal, in sucha manner that the bridge circuit can be adjusted so as to assume abalanced state when no force is applied to the force sensor 15.

[0104] Moreover, from a state where no force is applied to the forcesensor 15, if a force is then applied to the capsule 3, this will act onthe force sensor 15, thus causing a slight change in the resistancevalue R thereof, whereby the balanced state of the bridge circuit isdisrupted and a signal output having a small voltage is produced by thebridge circuit, amplified by a differential amplifier circuit 84,converted from analogue to digital and supplied to the imaging drive andcontrol circuit 21.

[0105] In the differential amplifier circuit 84, signals passing throughtwo resistances r connected to the bridge circuit are input to anoperational amplifier 85 and the gain of this operational amplifier 85can be set variably by turning on and off switches SW1, SW2, SW3 whichare respectively connected in series to resistances r1, r2, r3. In thiscase, the gain is adjusted in accordance with the sensor gain commandillustrated in FIG. 3.

[0106] By setting this gain to a suitable value, it is possible toensure that the force or the like, acting on the capsule 3 can bedetected in a stable and secure manner by the force sensor 15.

[0107] Consequently, according to the present embodiment, the colorimaging function and the illumination function for imaging based on thecapsule 3 can be set to suitable states after assembly of the capsule 3,and the sensor state of the force sensor 15 can be set to a suitable andstable operational state.

[0108] Moreover, once a state has been achieved where the region of thepart inside a human body cavity that is to be investigated by means ofthe capsule 3 is being illuminated and imaged, then it is possible tochange the operational state of the capsule 3, from an external device4, for example.

[0109] More specifically, commands for switching modes as illustrated inFIG. 3 can be supplied by operating the input circuit 41 of the externaldevice 4, whereby the imaging mode can be changed from the single-frameimaging mode shown in FIG. 11 to a continuous imaging mode.

[0110] In the single-frame imaging mode, the imaging processingillustrated in FIG. 12A is carried out, and in the continuous imagingmode, the imaging processing illustrated in FIG. 12B is carried out.

[0111] In the single-frame imaging mode in FIG. 12A, when performingimaging by means of the image sensor 8 of the capsule 3, as indicated instep S1, the image thus captured is processed in analogue form by theanalogue processing section 22, and is then converted to a digitalsignal, whereupon, as indicated in step S2, the signal is compressed (bythe compression processing circuit 23).

[0112] As illustrated in step S3, the compressed image data isaccumulated in the memory 26. The compressed image data accumulated inthe memory 26 is then transmitted by radio waves, via the radio circuit10 and the antenna 11, as indicated in step S4. Data transmission iscarried out until the image data for one frame has been completed, asindicated in step S5, and when the image data for one frame has beentransmitted, the sequence advances to step S6, where the memory 26 iscleared and the single-frame imaging operation ends.

[0113] Since this mode captures single-frame images in this way, it issuitable for use in confirming the operation of the capsule 3 afterassembly, and in obtaining the required imaging information and thelike, during the procedure for adjusting the color balance, forinstance, without causing the capsule 3 to perform repeated illuminationand imaging. operations unnecessarily, thus avoiding wasteful powerconsumption.

[0114] On the other hand, in the continuous imaging mode in FIG. 12B,processing for determining whether or not the amount of memory remainingin the memory 26 is 0 is carried out between steps S3 and S4 in FIG.12A, and if the amount of memory remaining in memory 26 has not become0, then the sequence returns to step S1, and the processing from imagecapture in step S1 to step S4 is repeated.

[0115] In other words, image capture is repeated until the amount ofmemory remaining in the memory 26 becomes 0. By means of this step S7,after repeating image capture until the remaining memory in the memory26 has become 0, the data transmission in step S4 is carried out andthis transmission is performed until all data transmission has beencompleted in step S5 (in other words, until all of the plurality ofimage data captured until the remaining memory in the memory 26 became 0have been transmitted), whereupon the memory 26 is cleared.

[0116] In this way, in the present embodiment, a single-frame imagingmode and a continuous imaging mode are prepared, in such a manner thatimaging can be carried out in a mode suited to the use conditions.

[0117] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, the time interval at whichcontinuous imaging or the like, is performed inside a body cavity, canbe set to any one of three time intervals specified by timers 1 to 3,for example, which can be selected in accordance with the object underinvestigation or the like, thus improving ease of use.

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, codes for other functions areprovided, such as a code for performing data transmission, a code forreporting that the device has assumed a receivable state, a code forclearing the memory 26 or the like, a code for checking the memory 26 orthe like, a code for setting an address in the memory 25 or 26, or acode for performing a reset, and the like, thus providing a wide rangeof functions which allow the operations and the like, of the capsule 3,to be controlled in a more detailed fashion.

[0119] Moreover, when capturing images inside a body cavity, it is alsopossible to adopt a composition wherein the brightness is controlled, bymeans of the amount of illumination light or the like, emitted during asuitable time interval (for example, the imaging interval of aroundseveral times).

[0120] In other words, the average brightness of a plurality of imagescaptured at the aforementioned time intervals is detected by theexternal device 4 and compared with a reference brightness value for thesuitable amount of illumination light in that state, whereby theexternal device 4 calculates correction amount data for correcting thebrightness to the reference value and transmits the same to the capsule3, in such a manner that the operation of adjusting the luminous amountby the white light LEDs 7 a, 7 b in the capsule 3 to a suitable value isperformed continuously during imaging by the capsule 3.

[0121] By this means, in a state where the interior of a body cavity isbeing imaged by the capsule 3, when capturing images of a broad bodypassage section, such as the stomach or the like, the amount ofillumination light can be increased in such a manner that images havinga good S/N ratio are obtained, whereas conversely, when capturing imagesof a narrow body passage, such as the oesophagus or small intestine orthe like, the amount of illumination light can be reduced in such amanner that images of a suitable brightness can be obtained. Byobtaining images of a suitable brightness of this kind, it becomes easyto make a diagnosis.

[0122] Furthermore, in cases such as these, the amount of electricalenergy from the battery 11 used for illumination can be adjustedsuitably, and hence wasteful consumption of electrical energy can beprevented effectively.

[0123] Moreover, simple control can be performed in accordance with thearea under observation, whereby imaging is performed at shorter timeintervals in the vicinity of certain regions, whilst imaging isperformed at long time intervals in regions distant from the regionunder observation, and hence the apparatus can be adapted readily to awide range of applications.

[0124] Furthermore, by transmitting a command signal instructing thatthe information obtained by the force sensor 15 be transmitted atsuitable intervals from the external device 4 side, the external device4 is able to monitor the movements of the capsule 3 by means of theforce sensor 15, and hence it becomes very straightforward to detectwhen the capsule 3 has stopped moving, by the signal from the forcesensor 15, and hence rapid response also becomes possible.

[0125] Consequently, according to the present embodiment, it is possibleto set the color imaging function and the illumination function forimaging to suitable states in the capsule 3 after assembly, and it isalso possible to set the state of the force sensor 15 to a suitable andstable operational state.

[0126] Furthermore, even after adjustment, by changing the parameters orthe like, of the memory 25 in the capsule 3, and issuing switchingcommands and the like, it is also possible to change the operationalstate of the capsule 3, appropriately, in accordance with the regionunder examination or the like. Therefore, ease of use can be improved toa large extent compared to the prior art.

[0127] Moreover, it is also possible to obtain image information and thelike for the object under examination, in a suitable operational stateand using suitable settings, according to the object under examination.More specifically, depending on the object under examination, it ispossible to prevent the electrical energy of the battery 11 from beingconsumed by taking an excessive number of images, or using excessiveillumination, at excessively short imaging time intervals, and moreover,image information captured at suitable time intervals and having asuitable color balance can be obtained, in addition to which, imageswhich make diagnosis easier to perform can be obtained by means of anillumination state of suitable brightness.

[0128] Since the contents of the non-volatile memory 24 can be writtenafter assembly has been completed, then the initial settings can bechanged after assembly, by checking operation after assembly, and thenrewriting the contents of the non-volatile memory 24 on the basis of thedata thus obtained.

[0129] In this way, according to the present embodiment, even after thecapsule 3 has been assembled, it is still possible readily to set thecapsule 3 to a suitable setup, or to change it to a more suitableoperational state, by changing the information stored in the storingmeans.

Second Embodiment

[0130] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention is described.FIG. 13 shows a capsule medical device 1B according to the secondembodiment of the present invention.

[0131] The capsule medical device 1B shown in FIG. 13 comprises acapsule 3B, an external device 4B, and separately from this externaldevice 4B, a display control device 61 having a display function, andthe display device 40 and input circuit 41 connected to the displaycontrol device 61.

[0132] Compared to the capsule 3 in FIG. 1, the capsule 3B in FIG. 13 isnot provided with the non-volatile memory 24, and only comprises therewriteable, volatile memory 25, in such a manner that the informationrequired for operating the capsule 3B is stored inside this memory 25only.

[0133] By providing the functions of the memory 26 in this memory 25also, it is possible to omit the memory 26.

[0134] Furthermore, compared to the external device 4 in FIG. 1, theexternal device 4B has a composition in which the functions of the imageposition detecting circuit 36 and the color balance and brightnessdetecting circuit 37 are moved to an external display control circuit61.

[0135] Moreover, the display control circuit 61 has an in-built controlcircuit 62 for controlling display, and it transmits and receives dataand the like, to and from the control circuit 34 of the external device4B. This control circuit 62 is connected to an image position correctionamount calculating circuit 36B and a color balance and brightnesscorrection amount calculating circuit 37B which are respectivelyintegrate the image position detecting circuit 36, the color balance andbrightness detecting circuit 37 and the correction amount calculatingcircuits 38 and 39 illustrated in FIG. 1. Although not, illustrated, thedisplay control circuit 61 has a built-in battery, or a built-in powercircuit for generating a fixed voltage supply from a mains AC powersupply.

[0136] The remainder of the composition is basically the same as that ofthe first embodiment. In this embodiment, when the capsule 3B has beenset to an operational state by switching on the power supply, thecapsule 3 reads in data transmitted by the external device 4B and writesthis data to the memory 25. Thereafter, virtually the same operations asthose in the first embodiment, for example, can be performed, by meansof the data written in the memory 25.

[0137] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce thecost of the capsule 3B yet further. Apart from this, virtually the samebeneficial effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained.

Third Embodiment

[0138]FIG. 14 shows a capsule medical device 1C according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention.

[0139] This capsule medical device 1C comprises a capsule 3C and anexternal device 4C, and compared to the capsule medical device 1illustrated in FIG. 1, the capsule 3C of this capsule medical device 1Conly performs data transmission to the external device 4C by means ofradio waves, whilst the external device 4 is constituted in such amanner that it transmits data to the capsule 3C by means of infraredradiation.

[0140] Therefore, an infrared transmitter 71 connected to a controlcircuit 34 is provided in the external device 4C, and this infraredtransmitter 71 transmits the data sent by the control circuit 34, bymodulating it using an infrared beam.

[0141] The capsule 3C, on the other hand, is provided with an infraredreceiver 72 connected to an imaging drive and control circuit 21, andthis infrared receiver 72 receives the infrared beam sent by theinfrared transmitter 71, demodulates it, and transmits the resultingsignal to the imaging drive and control circuit 21.

[0142] A radio circuit 10′ in the capsule 3C has a function formodulating the data from the memory 26 and transmitting it by means of aradio wave, from the antenna 11, but it does not have a function fordemodulating radio waves.

[0143] A radio circuit 32′ in the external device 4C has a function fordemodulating radio waves received via the antenna 31 and outputting themto a memory 33, but it does not have a function for modulating radiowaves.

[0144] According to this embodiment, it is possible to perform the samefunctions (operations) as in the first embodiment, after the capsule 3Chas been assembled and before the capsule 3C has been swallowed by thepatient.

[0145] Furthermore, when the patient swallows the capsule, it hasgenerally been decided what kind of examination is to be carried out,and therefore the information required for that type of examinationshould be transmitted previously by means of an infrared beam, from theexternal device 4C to the capsule 3C, and stored in the memory 25.

[0146] According to the present embodiment, since data is transmitted byradio waves in one direction only, the composition of the radio circuit10′ and the 32′ is simplified. Apart from this, virtually the samebeneficial effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Fourth Embodiment

[0147]FIG. 15 shows a capsule medical device 1D according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention.

[0148] In addition to a function for capturing images (and providingillumination for imaging), as in the first embodiment, this capsulemedical device 1D is also able to perform administration of medicine,whilst the images provided by the imaging function are verified.

[0149] For this purpose, the capsule 3D comprises an illuminationcircuit 7 and image sensor 8, an imaging drive and control circuit 21′for controlling these elements, a radio circuit 10 and antenna 11, and amemory (register) 25 for storing parameters, and the like, fordetermining the operation of the capsule 3D. The imaging drive andcontrol circuit 21′ is composed in such a manner that it also comprisesthe functions of the analogue processing section 22 illustrated in FIG.1.

[0150] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the capsule 3D furthercomprises: a medicine discharge valve 91, opened in the outer surface ofthe accommodating vessel of the capsule 3D and capable of dischargingmedicine; a cylindrically-shaped medicine accommodating section 92,connected to the medicine discharge valve 91 by means of a tube, foraccommodating medicine; a cylinder feed device 94 for driving a cylinder93 which moves slidably in the medicine accommodating section 92; and anadministration control section 95 for controlling the drive of thecylinder feed device 94 and controlling the opening and closing of themedicine discharge valve 91.

[0151] By transmitting parameters, and the like, relating to the imagingfunction from the external device 4D, similarly to the first embodimentor second embodiment, these parameters, and other such information, canbe stored (recorded) in the memory 25, in addition to which commands,data and the like, for determining the control operations of theadministration control section 95 can also be written to the memory 25.

[0152] The administration of the medicine can be performed by means ofthe administration control section 95, by transmitting a command fromthe external device 4 or the like.

[0153] Moreover, as described in the first embodiment, the externaldevice 4D comprises an antenna 31 for transmitting and receiving radiowaves, to and from the antenna 11 of the capsule 3D, a radio circuit 32for performing modulation and demodulation, a control circuit 34′,connected to the radio circuit 32, for performing signal processing andcontrol with respect to the image data transmitted by the capsule 3D, adisplay device 40, connected to the control circuit 34′, for displayingimages and the like, and an input circuit 41 for performing input andthe like, of commands and data for transmission to the capsule 3D.

[0154] The control circuit 34′ depicted comprises the functions of thesignal processing circuit 35 and image position detecting circuit 36shown in FIG. 1, and the respective correction amount detecting circuitsand the like. Moreover, in FIG. 15, the battery inside the capsule 3Dand the battery in the external device 4D are omitted from theillustration.

[0155] The functions and operations of the present embodiment having acomposition of this kind are now described in more detail.

[0156] An image sensor 8 constituted by a CCD, CMOS sensor or the like,is incorporated into the capsule 3D, which is swallowed by the patient,and an illumination circuit constituted by an LED or the like, forilluminating the interior of a body part of which images are captured bythe image sensor 8 is provided adjacently to the image sensor 8.

[0157] The illumination circuit 7 and the image sensor 8 are connectedto the imaging drive and control circuit 21′, and this imaging drive andcontrol circuit 21′ controls the capture of images, and the transmissionof images to the radio circuit 10 and the like.

[0158] Moreover, an antenna 11 for transmitting and receiving data isprovided in the capsule 3D, and in addition to receiving radio signalstransmitted by the external device 4D, image data is transmitted bymeans of radio waves to the external device 4D.

[0159] Furthermore, the antenna 11 is connected to the radio circuit 10,which demodulates signals received by the antenna 11. It also modulatessignals that are to be transmitted, and these signals are thentransmitted by means of radio waves via the antenna 11.

[0160] The radio circuit 10 is also connected to a memory (register) 25,in such a manner that information relating to the discharge of medicine,and information relating to the capture of images can be stored in thememory 25.

[0161] Furthermore, a cylindrical medicine accommodating section 92 foraccommodating medicine is provided in the capsule 3D, and by driving aslidable cylinder by means of a cylinder feed device 94, it is possiblefor medicine to be discharged via the medicine discharge valve 91 to theexterior of the capsule 3D.

[0162] The medicine discharge valve 91 and the cylinder feed device 94are controlled by the administration control section 95.

[0163] On the other hand, the external device 4D which transmits andreceives signals to and from the capsule 3D, by radio waves, internallycomprises a transmission and reception antenna 31, a radio circuit 32,and a control circuit 34′.

[0164] Furthermore, the control circuit 34′ is connected to a displaydevice 40, and images of the interior of a human body captured by thecapsule 3D are displayed on the display device 40.

[0165] Moreover, the control circuit 34′ is connected to an inputcircuit 41 whereby data for transmission to the capsule 3D is input.Data input in this manner is encoded by the control circuit 34′, andtransmitted as radio waves via the radio circuit 32 and the antenna 31,whilst on the capsule 3D side, it is demodulated via the antenna 11 andthe radio circuit 10, and data is stored in, or rewritten to, the memory25, in accordance with the encoded information.

[0166] The imaging drive and control circuit 21′ checks the informationheld in the memory 25 constantly, and if an imaging request is writtento the memory 25, then it executes imaging and transmits the capturedimages to the external device 4D by means of radio waves.

[0167] The external device 4D displays the images on the display device40. Consequently, an operator (not illustrated) is able to obtain theimages captured by the capsule 3D, at any time., Moreover, the imagingdrive and control circuit 21′ repeats the image capturing operationuntil a code for halting imaging is input to the memory 25.

[0168] The operator (not illustrated) is able to perform an operationfor starting administration of the medicine, whilst confirming theimages captured by the capsule 3D.

[0169] The operator inputs a command, via the input circuit 41, foropening the medicine discharge value 91. The input data is transmittedto the capsule 3D, by means of the external device 4D, and is stored inthe memory 25.

[0170] The administration control section 95 constantly monitors theinformation in the memory 25, and when information for opening themedicine discharge value 91 is written to the memory 25, it causes themedicine discharge value 91 to open. The administration control section95 maintains the medicine discharge value 91 in an opened state, untilinformation for closing the medicine discharge value 91 is written tothe memory 25.

[0171] Thereupon, the operator inputs data indicating a feed rate forthe cylinder feed device 94 via the input circuit 41. The data thusinput is transmitted to the capsule 3D by means of the external device4D, and is stored in the memory 25.

[0172] The administration control section 95 constantly monitors theinformation in the memory 25, and when information on the feed rate forthe cylinder feed device 94 is written to the memory 25, then thecylinder feed device 94 is caused to operate at a speed based on thedata written to the memory 25. Thereby, the medicine (not illustrated)is pushed outside of the capsule 3D, via the medicine discharge value91. Since the feed rate of the cylinder feed device 94 is specified, itis possible to control the amount of medicine discharge per unit time.The administration control section 95 maintains the feed rate of thecylinder feed device 94 until new feed rate information for the cylinderfeed device 94 is written to the memory 25.

[0173] Accordingly, the operator is able to control the amount ofmedicine discharged in such a manner that, if the operator wishes toreduce the amount of medicine discharged, then he or she should enterdata for slowing the feed rate of the cylinder feed device 94, whereasif the operator wishes to increase the amount of medicine discharged,then he or she should enter data for increasing the feed rate of thecylinder feed device 94.

[0174] According to the present embodiment, since it is possible tocontrol the capsule 3D simply by writing prescribed data to the memory25, and since it is possible to maintain continuity in operations byholding this information in the capsule 3D, then communications betweenthe capsule 3D and the external device 4D can be simplified.

[0175] Moreover, if continuous imaging, continuous administration ofmedicine or the like, is to be implemented, then since information isstored in the capsule 3D, it is possible to perform continuousoperations in a straightforward manner.

[0176] Furthermore, by previously accommodating no medicine in themedicine accommodating section 92 according to the present embodiment,and operating the cylinder feed device 94 in a reverse direction, thenit is possible to take a sample of body fluid. In this case also, asimilar control method is employed.

[0177] According to the present embodiment, when administering medicine,it is possible to confirm the location to which the medicine is to beadministered, by observing images. In addition to this, virtually thesame beneficial effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained.

[0178] Modifications of the embodiments constituted by incorporatingparts of the various embodiments described above, or the like, are alsoincluded in the scope of the present invention.

[0179] Also, having described the preferred embodiments of the inventionreferring to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that thepresent invention is not limited to those precise embodiments andvarious changes and modifications thereof could be made by one skilledin the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventionas defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A capsule medical device inserted into a bodycavity, comprising: a receiving device for receiving data from outsidethe capsule medical device; and a storage device wherein storage datastored therein can be rewritten on the basis of the data received by thereceiving device.
 2. The capsule medical device according to claim 1,wherein the storage device is a storage device in which the storage datais not erased, even when the power supply is switched off.
 3. Thecapsule medical device according to claim 1, wherein the capsule medicaldevice has a sensor; and the sensor operates on the basis of informationstored in the storage device.
 4. The capsule medical device according toclaim 1, wherein the capsule medical device has an image acquiringdevice; and the image acquiring device operates on the basis ofinformation stored in the storage device.
 5. The capsule medical deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the image acquiring device has anillumination device; and the illumination device operates on the basisof information stored in the storage device.
 6. The capsule medicaldevice according to claim 4, wherein the image acquiring device has animage sensor; and the image sensor operates on the basis of informationstored in the storage device.
 7. The capsule medical device according toclaim 4, wherein the image acquiring device has an image datacompressing device; and the image data compressing device operates onthe basis of information stored in the storage device.
 8. The capsulemedical device according to claim 1, wherein the capsule medical devicehas a force acquiring device; and the force acquiring device operates onthe basis of information stored in the storage device.
 9. The capsulemedical device according to claim 1, wherein the capsule medical devicehas a medicine discharging device; and the medicine discharging deviceoperates on the basis of information stored in the storage device. 10.The capsule medical device according to claim 1, wherein the capsulemedical device has a specimen recovery device; and the specimen recoverydevice operates on the basis of information stored in the storagedevice.
 11. A capsule medical device system comprising: a capsulemedical device inserted into a body cavity; an external device fortransmitting and receiving data, to and from the capsule medical device,by means of radio communications; and a storage device, provided in thecapsule medical device, the storage contents of which are rewritten onthe basis of information transmitted to the capsule medical device fromthe external device.
 12. The capsule medical system according to claim11, wherein the capsule medical device has a sensor; and the sensoroperates on the basis of information stored in the storage device. 13.The capsule medical system according to claim 11, wherein the capsulemedical device has an image acquiring device; and the image acquiringdevice operates on the basis of information stored in the storagedevice.
 14. The capsule medical system according to claim 13, whereinthe image acquiring device has an illumination device; and theillumination device operates on the basis of information stored in thestorage device.
 15. The capsule medical system according to claim 13,wherein the image acquiring device has an image sensor; and the imagesensor operates on the basis of information stored in the storagedevice.
 16. The capsule medical system according to claim 13, whereinthe image acquiring device has an image data compressing device; and theimage data compressing device operates on the basis of informationstored in the storage device.
 17. The capsule medical system accordingto claim 11, wherein the capsule medical device has a force acquiringdevice; and the force acquiring device operates on the basis ofinformation stored in the storage device.
 18. The capsule medical systemaccording to claim 11, wherein the capsule medical device has a medicinedischarging device; and the medicine discharging device operates on thebasis of information stored in the storage device.
 19. The capsulemedical system according to claim 11, wherein the capsule medical devicehas a specimen recovery device; and the specimen recovery deviceoperates on the basis of information stored in the storage device. 20.The capsule medical system according to claim 11, having a calculatingdevice for generating transmission information that is transmitted fromthe external device to the capsule medical device, on the basis of datatransmitted by the capsule medical device and received by the externaldevice.
 21. A data storing method for a capsule medical devicecomprising the steps of: transmitting data to a capsule medical device;and storing the data in a storage device provided in the capsule medicaldevice.
 22. The data storing method for a capsule medical deviceaccording to claim 21, comprising the steps of: confirming the operationof the capsule medical device; creating corrected data on the basis ofthe results of operation; transmitting the data to the capsule medicaldevice; and storing the data in a storage device provided in the capsulemedical device.
 23. A data storing method for a capsule medical devicesystem comprising a capsule medical device and an external device fortransmitting and receiving data, to and from the capsule medical deviceby means of radio communications, the method comprising the steps of:transmitting data to the capsule medical device from the externaldevice; receiving the data in the capsule medical device; and storingthe data in a storage device provided in the capsule medical device. 24.An operation modifying method for a capsule medical system comprising acapsule medical device and an external device for transmitting andreceiving data, to and from the capsule medical device by means of radiocommunications, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting datafrom the capsule medical device; receiving the data in the externaldevice; determining modified data on the basis of this data;transmitting the modified data from the external device; and storing themodified data in a storage device provided in the capsule medicaldevice.